“Any system which lays  a claim to embracing inclusive health must prioritise as well as be willing and ready to make changes to the traditional health system by taking deliberate efforts in ensuring there are structured accessible programmes which accommodate persons with disabilities”.

“When inclusive health becomes a priority, there are basic principles that must be followed. Two of these are vital. These are equitable access and full participation”. This will require adequate steps to ensure everyone has the access to services as well as resources to achieve personal health potentials, If these two principles are missing, we can forget all the claims.

The above and may others issues form the focus of discussion our executive Director, Yinka Olaito, pushed forward in a radio programme on Sobi FM (101.9FM) Ilorin today where he was guest expert on the topic: “Bridging the health gaps for persons with disabilities” The programme was aired on all the Sobi 101.9 FM channels.

The programme anchor, Dare Akogun, wanted the guest expert to identify challenges associated with inclusive health in Nigeria.

Yinka Olaito identified some of the followings:

Inadequate funding, Nigeria is yet to meet 15% of total health budget demand.

Lack of strong will to implement what is in the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Act 2019. Especially section 21 which focuses on inclusive health.

-Accessibility issue

-Lack of enough trained medical personnel who can handle the surge

-Lack of infrastructure

-Persistency lack of transparency in the use of scarce resources

– Lack of strong commitment from government to make necessary changes to medical practice and system

-While we have solid documents on the principles of inclusive health demand, there is no tangible structure which supports the will to do so.

While the 45 minutes’ session last, some other points emphasised by Yinka Olaito include:

-Appreciation of the little and consistency effort of the present leadership of National commission for Persons with Disabilities(NCPWD) which seems to be active

– A need for joint and collaborative efforts with relevant CSOs, disability advocacy groups operating in the sector to bring desired change.

-A call for an open and transparent structure that displays accountability which can allow well-meaning and philanthropic Nigerians to pull funds together in ensuring inclusive health as implementation will require adequate funding.

-Inclusive health benefits all and should be a priority

-Until government show good leadership, inclusive health may continue to be a mirage in Nigeria